With their fascinating history and outstanding array of rainbow hues, opals are one of nature’s most colourful treasures- and it isn't hard to see why!
Throughout history, October's birthstone has been considered both the 'bringer of bad luck' and a coveted gemstone.
In 75AD, Pliny, a Roman Scholar wrote, “Some opal carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colours of painters. Others…simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur and even the bright blaze of burning oil.” He marvelled that this kaleidoscopic gem encompassed the red of ruby, the green of emerald, the yellow of topaz, the blue of sapphire, and the purple of amethyst.
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| Nomination Italy Sterling Silver and Opal Earrings |
Alongside the Romans, the Ancient Greeks also believed that opals would bring good health to the wearer and we were commonly associated with fortune-telling. The word 'Opal' derives from the Greek word 'Opallios' meaning 'To See A Change of Colour.'
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| Links of London Rose Vermeil and Pink Opal Bangle |
By the 18th Century however, opals had acquired the reputation of bad luck and swiftly fell out of favour with collectors. Despite Queen Victoria being a lover of the stone, her granddaughter Queen Alexandra, had 11 beautiful opals removed from a tiara she was given and had them replaced for rubies, feaful they would bring her bad fortune.
Thankfully, Opal's reputation has since changed and is now considered a highly sought-after and coveted gemstone and is a popular choice in jewellery today. Not only is it available in white, but it can be found in a wide variety of colours; white opal, black opal, fire opal, boulder opal and water opal can all be found in beautiful pieces of jewellery in the modern market.
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Nomination Italy Rose October Birthstone Charm
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Opal is a soft stone and should be worn and stored with care, hard knocks can damage this precious stone and therefore it's important to keep it away from harder gemstones, like sapphire or diamonds and stored in a padded jewellery box or bag.
The beauty about opal jewellery is that it will always be unique, as no two opals will ever be exactly the same. The October birthstone is a perfect choice for gem collectors and jewellery lovers - no matter which month you were born in!
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